J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2003 Jun;38(3):217-222.

Head Tilt and Facial Asymmetry in Congenital Muscular Torticollis

• Kim HT
• Kang JH
• Yoo CI

Abstract

PURPOSE
To analyze head tilt and facial asymmetry in congenital muscular torticollis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 37 cases (mean age: 8.5 years) of congenital muscular torticollis [23 operative cases (14 bipolar release, 9 unipolar release) and 14 non-operative cases] were reviewed. Measurements included: head tilt, horizontal facial asymmetry angle, midfacial asymmetry angle on photographs; craniovertical angle, orbital plane-cranial horizontal line angle on cephalograms; and the angle between two reference lines connecting the mastoid processes and the spinous processes on C-spine radiographs. RESULTS: The results in both operative/non-operative groups were measured as follows: mean head tilt of 6.6 degrees/4.3 degrees, mean horizontal facial asymmetry angle of 3.4 degrees/1.9 degrees, mean midfacial asymmetry angle of 3.2 degrees/2.4 degreeson photographs; mean head tilt of 17.1 degrees/4.7 degreeson C-spine radiographs; mean craniovertical angle of 2.9 degrees/2.1 degrees, mean orbital plane-cranial horizontal line angle of 3.3 degrees/2.0 degreeson cephalograms. CONCLUSION: The facial asymmetry in congenital muscular torticollis become more severe with increased age at treatment and with a more severe head tilt. Horizontal facial asymmetry around the orbits is more distinctive than midfacial asymmetry in torticollis-related facial asymmetry.

Keyword

Congenital muscular torticollis; Head tilt; Facial asymmetry

MeSH Terms

Facial Asymmetry*
Head*
Mastoid
Orbit
Torticollis*